IDENTITY AND MISSION
This Grace Bible Churches
A Pauline dispensational ministry proclaiming the Gospel of Christ and teaching the King James Bible rightly divided.
Our purpose
This Grace Bible Churches exists to preach the Gospel of Christ, establish believers in sound doctrine and support orderly local fellowship. Our teaching recognizes the Apostle Paul’s distinctive ministry to the Gentiles and the revelation of the Mystery concerning the Church, the Body of Christ.
The King James Bible is our final written authority for faith, doctrine and conduct. Organizational documents serve the ministry and remain subordinate to Scripture.
Our church fellowship
The supplied organizing framework describes TGBC as an independent, unincorporated religious association. Local assemblies participate through voluntary recognition and written affiliation, with responsibilities defined by the governing documents.
The Circle of the Elders is an ecclesiastical governing body within TGBC. Its designation does not create a separate ordained office; TGBC recognizes Bishop and Deacon.
Learn about the CircleOUR NAME IN SCRIPTURE
Why This Grace Bible Churches?
The exact consecutive phrase “this grace” occurs in four verses in the King James Bible, all in the epistles of the Apostle Paul. Romans 5:2 speaks of access by faith and our standing in grace. In 2 Corinthians 8:7 and 8:19, the immediate context is gracious giving and the administration of that gift. Ephesians 3:8 speaks of the grace given to Paul to preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.Romans 5:2 KJB
Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.2 Corinthians 8:7 KJB
And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:2 Corinthians 8:19 KJB
Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;Ephesians 3:8 KJB
THE PRAECEPTORIUM AND THE PRAECEPTORIUS
The Order and the Founding Bishop’s exclusive title
Praeceptorium names the Circle of the Elders, the internal teaching and oversight Order within This Grace Bible Churches.
Praeceptorius is Bishop Wesley Ray’s exclusive personal ecclesiastical title. He is the original and sole Praeceptorius. Membership in the Circle, temporary appointment, incapacity, death, or succession does not confer or transfer that title.
These ecclesiastical designations create neither a separate legal entity nor a third ordained office. Sound doctrine, the Gospel of Christ, the King James Bible rightly divided, and Pauline Dispensational Doctrine govern the Order’s work.
Identity and House to House Assembly
Our identity
This Grace Bible Churches, the Circle of the Elders (the Order, the Praeceptorium), and Church in Thy House are not a denomination, are not part of a denomination, are not a religion, and are not part of Christianity. They are not Jewish and are not Catholic. They are not corruptors of the Word of God.
Our assembly and practice
We are not part of the "corporate" American Christian Church setup. We have no religious buildings, statues, baptistries, altars, or pastors, and none of the trappings of the religion known as Christianity.
Saved believers gathering house to house
This Grace Bible Churches consists of true saved believers who rightly divide the word of truth and meet house to house. Church in Thy House is the mode by which This Grace Bible Churches gathers together. The Gospel of Christ that saves today is found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJB. Our standard for rightly dividing the word of truth is 2 Timothy 2:15 KJB.
King James Bible only
We use only King James Bibles: the 1769 edition of the 1611, Pure Cambridge Text. The King James Bible is our final written authority. We do not change, supposedly correct, or corrupt the Word of God.
The Order and the Bishop title
The Circle of the Elders, the Order, and the Praeceptorium name the same internal teaching and oversight body within This Grace Bible Churches. Praeceptorius is the Bishop title within that body. Bishop Wesley Ray is the original and sole Praeceptorius; admission to the Circle does not confer that title. Within This Grace Bible Churches, Bishop Wesley Ray is known as the Founding Bishop.